The view from Ouen Toro, New Caledonia.

What to do on a short break in Noumea, New Caledonia

French flair meets South Pacific relaxation on the world’s largest lagoon – and here’s what visitors to New Caledonia should consider doing. What is Noumea like? Noumea is an intoxicating swirl of contradictions. Urban, but with an island time vibe; in the South Pacific, but…
Yachts moored at Noumea's port.

Noumea: The Pacific’s great missed opportunity

The capital of New Caledonia is a weird throwback. The rule of thumb with island capitals Cities on paradise islands have a tendency to be surprisingly drab and functional. Samoa, for example, is largely stunning but anyone getting excited about Apia is seriously deluding themselves.…

Guide to the Mulifanua to Salelologa ferry in Samoa

The Mulifanua to Salelologa ferry is the critical link between Upolu and Savaii, Samoa's two main islands. Operated by the Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC), this service offers both passenger and vehicle transport. It’s a critical connection for the nation, and most travellers heading to Savaii…
The Bishop's Cruises boat at One Foot Island, Aitutaki.

Visiting One Foot Island on an Aitutaki Lagoon cruise

In the Cook Islands, the Bishop’s Cruises boat crosses one of the most spectacular lagoons on earth. And One Foot Island is the target at the other end of the Aitutaki Lagoon. Trevally in the Cook Islands There’s quite a commotion by the boat. Yelps…
Kayaks lined up by the Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga.

A quick travel guide to Rarotonga, the Cook Islands

Discover the essential sites and activities in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Learn where to hike, dine at Trader Jack’s, and find the ideal Muri Lagoon resort. What to see in Rarotonga To get an idea of traditional life on Rarotonga, the main island of the Cooks,…
The Aitutaki Lagoon, the Cook Islands.

A quick guide to Aitutaki in the Cook Islands

Discover Aitutaki, Cook Islands. This quick guide covers the famous lagoon cruises, fishing opportunities, nightlife options, and best places to stay on the island. What to see on Aitutaki Aitutaki in the Cook Islands is a tiny bit of land and a whole lot of…
Kayaks lined up by the Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga.

Muri, Rarotonga: The perfect holiday town?

Is Muri the perfect holiday town? Discover how this Rarotonga spot, featuring the Muri Lagoon, has developed into a balanced and relaxed destination. How Muri has changed Muri doesn’t quite look or feel like it did. The key lure is still the same – the…
The Pulamelei Mound on Savai'i, Samoa.

Samoa’s Pulamelei Mound: The mystery pyramid of the Pacific

Explore Samoa's ancient Pulamelei Mound, the mystery pyramid of the Pacific. Was this huge structure built by a lost society, or does it prove Thor Heyerdahl's radical theory? Walking to the Pulamelei Mound “This track is impassable after heavy rain,” says Warren Jopling as we…
A beach stop on a Rarotonga bike tour.

Exploring Rarotonga on a half day bike tour

Rarotonga in the Cook Islands may be small, but it packs in plenty of surprises – as a half day bike tour around the island shows. Cycling around Rarotonga The circular road around Rarotonga in the Cook Islands is largely flat, making it easy going…